Queensland businesswoman and Rockcote Enterprises Director, Chris Cameron was recognised by Westpac and the Financial Review Group as one of Australia’s most outstanding and influential women when she was awarded the title of ‘Business Entrepreneur’ as part of the inaugural ‘100 Women of Influence’ Awards in Sydney.

As Director of Rockcote, the successful coloured render, texture, walling system and people-safe paint company that her husband Bob Cameron founded over 30 years ago, Chris has a long list of awards to her credit including the Telstra Business Woman Award.

The ‘100 Women of Influence’ Awards honour women who are making an important contribution to reshaping Australia's social and economic life, across small or large scale businesses, the community and arts, philanthropy, the public sector and Not for Profits. One hundred women finalists competed for ten award categories including entrepreneurship, boardroom, philanthropy, regional Australia, global impact and innovation.

Chris said that she was humbled and honoured to be considered not only as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence but to have taken out the Entrepreneurship title, especially in the company of such illustrious fellow nominees.

Rockcote has been able to positively influence the construction industry through its range of quality, environmentally sustainable paint systems to help meet the end consumer’s demand for a quality, aesthetically pleasing product as they increasingly consider the health impacts of the materials being used in their construction projects in addition to the long term impact of the materials’ lifecycle on the planet.

Chris points out Rockcote’s products can be used equally successfully on large scale commercial projects such as high-rises and hospitals right through to residential structures. Adding to its environmental credentials is the fact that Rockcote is an independently owned Australian company that manufactures its products in Queensland, which is also an important consideration for the sustainability of the local economy.

Chris said that Rockcote had recently expanded its national distribution with Rockcote products now stocked in Bunnings stores all over Australia in addition to its own Rockcote Distribution Centres.

Chris has played a key role in a number of initiatives including pioneering a pre-vocational course in solid plastering with TAFE to attract more women into the construction industry, setting up a ‘Tomorrow’s Entrepreneur’ program, and chairing a Transition and Innovation Board to encourage students to commence apprenticeships and university studies whilst still at school.

Chris’s determination, innovation and pioneering ways will ensure she will continue to be a businesswoman of influence.